What does "oblique intent" imply in criminal law?

Oblique intent in criminal law refers to a situation where a defendant does not have the direct intention to bring about a particular consequence but is aware that this consequence is virtually certain to occur as a result of their actions. This concept distinguishes between direct intent, where the outcome is the defendant's primary aim, and cases where the defendant foresees a specific result of their actions, even if it is not their main purpose.

For instance, if a person throws a heavy object into a crowded area, they may not aim to injure anyone specifically, but if they know that their action is almost certain to cause injury to others, they can be deemed to possess oblique intent for any resulting harm. This understanding is crucial in many criminal cases, especially those involving serious offenses like murder or bodily harm, where the law seeks to hold individuals accountable for outcomes they foresee and accept.

In contrast, the other options present different scenarios that do not align with the definition of oblique intent. The idea that the consequence was intended and expected aligns more with direct intent. Speaking of a consequence as merely a possibility suggests a lack of certainty and knowledge about the outcome, which is inconsistent with oblique intent. Lastly, actions taken in self-defense do not pertain to